Ales for ALS

This unique fundraiser is near and dear to us here at Bale Breaker. Click through the slides to learn about how the campaign combines hops and beer to raise money for ALS research. Plan to be at the annual kickoff event at the brewery in July. Or give directly at www.als.net/donate

What is ALS?

ALS, or Lou Gerhig’s Disease, is a progressive disorder that slowly robs a person of their ability to talk, eat, or move on their own. Worldwide, 500,000 ALS patients are waiting for a treatment, with someone new diagnosed every 90 minutes. Currently, no effective treatment or cure exists for ALS.

How does Ales for ALS work?

Ales for ALS is a national fundraising campaign, started in 2013 by our family’s hop farm, to raise funds and awareness for ALS research. Each year, Loftus Ranches and YCH HOPS donate a unique blend of primarily experimental hops to breweries across the country, with the ask being a donation to ALS Therapy Development Institute of at least $1 per pint brewed. In 2016, over 100 breweries nationwide created and brewed their own beer to best showcase that year’s special blend of hops!

What is ALS Therapy Development Institute?

The ALS Therapy Development Institute is the first and largest non-profit biotech focused 100% on ALS research. Learn more, or make a contribution, at www.als.net

Tell me about the Ales for ALS Kickoff Party at Bale Breaker…

The largest event of the year at the brewery is an epic good time! Every July, everyone is invited out to the brewery lawn for one great Saturday to enjoy great beer, food, and games at this free & family-friendly event. In addition to live music and multiple food vendors, exclusive Ales for ALS merchandise is sold, and Bale Breaker donates $1 from ANY pint sold that day to Ales for ALS.

What about Birdies for Bubba?

The annual Ales for ALS golf tournament, Birdies for Bubba happens in July, and includes a post-tourney celebration with the release our Ales for ALS beer, Bubba’s Brew (named for our Uncle Scott who was diagnosed with ALS in 2011). Each year, the brewers at Bale Breaker develop a unique recipe for Bubba’s Brew based on the characteristics of that year’s unique hop blend.

How much money has Ales for ALS raised?

In 2016, we had 115 brewers participate representing 33 states. Through generous contributions last year we collectively raised over $500,000. Since inception in 2013, Ales for ALS has raised over $1,250,000 for ALS research.

See you in July for the next Ales for ALS event at Bale Breaker!

If you want to learn more about participating brewers in your neck of the woods, visit alesforals.com (there’s even a homebrew hop blend available!) or check out als.net to learn about the incredible research happening at ALS Therapy Development Institute.